Mike Stanton was ready to stomp out a delicate issue that was spinning out of control.

“We can sit here and talk about this and blow it out of proportion, or we can let it die the way we should,” the Yankee reliever said at one point yesterday.

The latest “Yankees versus Mets” rivalry concerns charitable donations and volunteer efforts in the wake of Sept. 11 – and it’s spun into the ugly realm of verbal barbs and sports-radio insults.

It began Tuesday, when Stanton said of the Yanks’ contributions to the relief efforts, “It’s not about oneupsmanship, it’s not a PR ploy” – comments the Mets perceived as a shot at their public displays of helping out.

That prompted Met skipper Bobby Valentine to counter, “That’s pretty weak. It’s an uncalled-for comment. … How can you not be public with that?”

Yesterday, Stanton said, “I don’t think I have anything to apologize for.” He conceded he mentioned the Mets specifically in comments, but that his words were taken out of context.

Both organizations have done a great deal in the wake of the Trade Center tragedy. Shea Stadium was used as a staging area, and the Mets helped there. Both clubs visited Ground Zero and area firehouses. Both teams donated money, although the Mets’ donation of a day’s pay was publicized.

Stanton said the general public would “probably, most definitely” be surprised if the Yankees’ donation was revealed.

“We’re not two weeks away from a tragedy, and we’re worried about what money’s going where, who said what and who gave what,” Stanton said.

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Jorge Posada’s suspension was reduced from six games to five games. His fine was upheld.

“I’ve got nothing to say as always,” he told reporters.

Beginning with last night, Todd Greene would likely catch all five games in order to get better acquainted with the staff, manager Joe Torre said. Posada is to return Oct. 2 versus Chicago.

For the record, MLB said Posada was suspended “for aggressive arguing, making contact with umpire Andy Fletcher on multiple occasions and throwing equipment onto the playing field.”

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David Justice sat out last night’s game after leaving in the seventh inning Tuesday because he felt his left groin area tighten up. It’s the same injury that landed him on the DL twice before, only “way less, a lot less,” Justice said.

“I didn’t strain it as much as the other two times,” he said. “I think I’ll be OK.”

Torre said Justice likely will only DH through the end of the regular season, but he may play tomorrow.

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Paul O’Neill likely will start running tomorrow, Torre said. …

On the starting rotation for the rest of the year, Torre said, “We’re not gonna run them up. We usually like from 100-115 pitches. I think a lot of it depends on the stress of the game.”

The case of Orlando Hernandez is different, however. El Duque missed much of the year with a foot injury.